John m



J. M RHD.

HOOK.

(No Model.)

Na. 520,539. Patented May 29, 1894.

w W w Wim/www NITED STATES JOHN M. REID, OF JACKSONVILLE, ILLINOIS.

HOOK.

SPECIFICA'I'ION forming part of Letters Patent No. 520,5 39, dated May 29, 1894.

Application filed January 11, 1894. Serial No. 496,532. (No model.)

have invented certain new and useful Improvementsin Hooks; andI do deolare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as Will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the ac'companying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

My invention seeks to provide a hook of simple construction which will lock the loop or other article held by it so as to prevent the accidental disengagement and release of the same. This object I accomplish by the use of the device illustrated in the accompanying drawings and the invention consists in certain novel features of the same as will be hereinafter set forth.

In the drawings just referred to, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a hook, such as is used on harness breast straps, provided with my improvement. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same showing the hook open in full lines and closed in dotted lines, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a check rein hook showing a slight modification.

The body of the hook proper consists of a curved or substantially U-shaped bar A of the usual formation at the end or shoulder of which I form a lug or stop Bas clearly shown. Pivoted to the upper and lower sides of the body A is a guard O which corresponds in Shape With the said body A and is arranged concentrically therewith. One end, D, of the guard extends beyond the end of the body across the opening of the hook and is enlarged so as to present practically a continuation of the body. This enlargement also forms a shoulder, E, which will impinge against the side of the body and thereby limit the movement of the guard.

The manner of using the device will be readily` understood. The hook is opened by swinging the guard to one side, as shown in full lines in Fig. 2, after which the strap or ring is engaged in the hook. The guard is then returned to its normal position, indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2, and the strap or ring Will be locked in the hook, any tendency of the same to pass through the opening of the hook being positively resisted and overcome by the end of the guard as will be readily understood on reference to Fig. 1. In practice, breast strap loops usually hang somewhat on one side so that there is a normal liability of the guard swinging below the end of the hook by gravity and thus uncovering the opening. In order to prevent this action of the guard, I have provided the 111g or stop B which arrests the movement of the guard. When it is desired to release the strap or ring, the guard is swung to one side so as to uncover the opening of the hook and the strap is then released in the usual manner.

In Fig. 3v I have shown a check hook provided with my improvement. In this instance, the guard is arranged on the inner side of the hook and the lug or stop B is dispensed with as the hook is always in a Vertical position and consequently the stop is unnecessary. v

My improved hook is very simple in its construction and its advantages are thought to be obvious.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

The combination with the U-shaped hook, of a U-shaped guard pivoted on one end of the hook and arranged concentrically therewith and having a transverse shoulder near its pivot, the end of the guard being adapted to extend across the opening of the hook.

In testimony whereof I aftix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN M. REID.

Witnesses:

CHAs. A. BARNEs, I. M. FOX. 

